About the role: 

Are you:

• A strong team player who can maintain positive relationships by actively working with our stakeholders?
• Highly organised with excellent record keeping skills, and able to manage a large volume of matters?
• Capable of providing excellent client services and committed to working as part of a professional team?

This role is in the Public Law and Legislation team in the Legal Services and Integrity Branch. The team members work closely together to provide high quality legal advice, legislative services and legal policy advice in the area of health, including mental health services. 

The focus of the position will be managing litigation processes for matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, including coordinating listings, preparing briefs to Counsel, seeking instructions and attending court to instruct where necessary. You will be required to liaise with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division of the department, the Courts, Counsel, and other stakeholders in managing these matters. From time to time, this position may also be required to assist the team with discrete tasks such as research, answering queries or assisting with preparation of documentation supporting legislative development.  

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

We are looking for someone who can:

• Conduct daily monitoring of the Crimes Mental Impairment litigation inbox and coordinate listings of Crimes Mental Impairment matters. 
• Conduct general paralegal duties including assistance with preparation of documents supporting legislative development, responses to queries and research tasks. 
• Prepare standard letters, memorandums, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language and appropriate for the purpose and audience.
• Determine priorities, meet court timelines and effectively balance competing demands with minimal supervision, working autonomously and as a member of a team.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including barristers, court/tribunal staff, other government departments, Forensicare (Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health), agencies and professional bodies in relation to litigation, legal and policy issues.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

• A law degree or related qualification is an advantage.
• Experience as a paralegal or within the legal field is an advantage.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy. If you have any queries in relation to the application or recruitment processes, please email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au.